Britt to audition three music director finalists this summer

One of three finalists will clinch Britt Festival's musical director and conductor position after auditioning during August's Classical Festival.

One of three finalists will clinch Britt Festival's musical director and conductor position after auditioning during August's Classical Festival.

Each finalist — Mei-Ann Chen, Teddy Abrams, and David Danzmayr — will spend a week at Britt, leading the orchestra in rehearsals and during two weekend concerts apiece during Britt's Classical Festival. The new director will be chosen after the performances, which run each Friday and Saturday Aug. 2 through 18.

"This is an exciting time, with so many possibilities to look forward to," Britt executive director Donna Briggs said in a news release. "In our 50-year history, we have had just four music directors, and it's been more than 20 years since our last search. One of these candidates will lead our wonderful Britt Orchestra into its next half-century of music-making."

Third conductor finalist David Danzmayr, music director of the Illinois Philharmonic in Chicago, will lead his first concert Friday, Aug. 16. He will be accompanied by pianist Lisa Smirnova performing Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2. His Saturday, Aug. 17 concert will feature violinist Jennifer Koh performing Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto. The concert will conclude with Dvorak's Symphony No. 8.

Britt's final classical season concert will held Sunday, Aug. 18. The performance will be a Symphony Pops concert led by assistant conductor Wes Schulz and will feature music ensemble Project Trio.

Classical Festival tickets can be purchased presale, starting at 9 a.m. today and continuing through March 31. For more information, call the box office at either 1-800-882-7488 or 541-773-6077, or visit them online at www.brittfest.org.